confusing ratios!?

[megcwalk]

So the way this workbook is structured is that they introduce the problem, and then guide through. So this paragraph is the actual problem, and the other "problems" are simply steps to figuing out the whole thing. Here goes nothing!
The ratio of two numbers is 5/4 and the first number is 7 more than the second number. To determine each of these numbers, let x be the first number. Since the first number is 7 more than the second number, and since the first number is x, what is the second number?


Write a formula for the fraction (ratio) consisting of the first number divided by the second number


Write an equation that says this fraction (ratio) is 5/4


Solve


What are the two numbers?


I know this probably sounds very simple, but it's alot of back and forth information to handle and help would be much appreciated. Thanks!

 

[Quaid]

The ratio of two numbers is 5/4

the first number is 7 more than the second number

let x be the first number

Since the first number is 7 more than the second number, what is the second number?

Hi Meg:

The phrase in red is not asking for the actual value of the second number.

This is what they are asking: What algebraic expression represents the second number?

In other words, how can you use symbol x to write an expression which represents a second number that is smaller than x by 7 (i.e., seven less than x)?

Can you do this part?

Write a formula for the fraction (ratio) consisting of the first number divided by the second number

Write an equation that says this fraction (ratio) is 5/4

I think the phrasing in red above is too wordy; I'm not even sure that's a correct usage of the noun "formula".

They want you to write an equation to solve. The equation will be your algebraic ratio on the left-hand side and the number 5/4 on the right-hand side.

So, here's an example of what an algebraic ratio looks like, for the ratio of some unknown "first number to second number" (and, in this example, I set the ratio equal to 7/8):

x/(x + 5) = 7/8

In this ratio of "first to second", x represents the first number, and we can see that the second number is five more than the first. (The expression x+5 represents the second number.)

Does your exercise make better sense, now?

Have you solved equations like this before?

Let us know, if you have more questions, and please show your work, if you need more help.

Cheers